Reductil

It is no longer possible to buy Reductil from euroClinix.net. You can find out more information about Xenical, an alternative prescription treatment for obesity, here.

Reductil (sibutramine) was a popular and effective medication used to aid weight loss. It was an appetite suppressant designed to combat obesity in those who have difficulties losing weight through exercise and healthy eating alone. The success rate of Reductil tablets in treating obesity was very high; however the associated adverse side effects led to the medication being withdrawn from the market in 2010.

Why can't I buy Reductil from euroClinix.net anymore?

The European Medicines Agency (EMA) suspended the licence for Reductil in 2010. This means that euroClinix.net can no longer safely prescribe the treatment and you cannot legally buy Reductil within the EU. You should be very wary if you come across a company claiming to sell or prescribe genuine Reductil online, as it is likely to be a counterfeit product and may cause harm.

Why was Reductil withdrawn?

Ongoing clinical studies have shown that Reductil tablets could have an adverse affect on the blood pressure and cardiovascular system of its patients. It was initially found that the medication was not deemed to pose a significant risk to those whose cardiovascular health was normal, which is why it was originally prescribed as an approved treatment.

However, major concerns were raised after a six year study of over 10,000 patients showed that the medication did in fact significantly increase the risk of heart disease, to the extent that the risk outweighed the proven benefits of weight loss. The study was considered controversial because the medication was tested on people with pre-existing cardiovascular problems, who should not have been prescribed the medication at all. Also, the six year length of the study was considerably longer than the maximum one year that Reductil should be prescribed.

Despite this controversy, Reductil was withdrawn as a result of the study and then banned in January 2010.

Is there an alternative medication?

Yes. There is currently only one prescription-only medication available to treat obesity, and that is Xenical. Xenical is considered a very safe medication and is even approved for treatment in patients who are considered high-risk. While Reductil operated on the brain and nervous system, Xenical works on the digestive system. This means the risk of adverse side effects associated with Reductil are significantly reduced.

How does Xenical compare to Reductil?

Reductil

Xenical

Active ingredient

Sibutramine hydrochloride

Orlistat (tetrahydrolipstatin)

Purpose

An appetite suppressant that enhances the feeling of 'fullness'.

To prevent fat being absorbed into the body.

How it works

Increases the levels of noradrenalin and serotonin in the brain by blocking the nerve cells that release them, leading to a feeling of fullness, even if less food is eaten.

Prevents fat being broken down by enzymes and absorbed by the digestive system. One third of fat per meal is blocked and passed through the body.

Success rates

77% of patients using the medication alongside a reduced-calorie diet and physical exercise lost a significant amount of weight.

Proven to be effective in approximately 70% of users. Clinical trials have shown that patients can achieve a weight loss of 10% or more of their body weight in just one year.

Risks and side effects

The list of those at risk from Reductil is extensive and listed below.
Noted side effects include headaches, increased blood pressure, dry mouth and hot flushes, amongst others.

Low chance of risks.
Side effects are usually mild and are associated with the unabsorbed fat, which can lead to oily stools, flatulence and an increase in the number of bowel movements.

Dosage

Available as Reductil 10mg and Reductil 15mg, taken once a day.

One 120mg capsule taken three times a day.

Who is at risk with Reductil?

There are many risk groups who are advised not to take Reductil. These include:

Those under the age of 18 or over the age of 65

Pregnant or breastfeeding women

Those with a history of

Blocked arteries

Coronary artery disease

Drug, alcohol or medication dependence

Heart failure, tachycardia or arrhythmias

Strokes

Anorexia nervosa or bulimia nervosa

Those suffering from

Hyperthyroidism

Psychiatric disorders

Decreased liver or kidney function

Xenical is considered a safe treatment for most people who would have been considered 'high risk' under Reductil. To find out if Xenical is the best alternative for you, you can find additional information and buy Xenical here.

I was very happy with Reductil and I was very disappointed when I found out it was being recalled. I wasn't sure about starting with Xenical because I'd heard how it worked and I didn't think it sounded very nice! I decided to try it for three months because I find it very difficult to lose weight on my own. While I have experienced some side effects, they're not as bad as I expected and my weight loss has continued.

I had to stop taking Reductil because it was making me feel depressed. With Xenical, I feel more like myself again - and I'm losing weight!